The closest airport is Asheville, NC (airport code AVL) LINK, which is about 70 miles from Bryson City. Asheville is a very small and easy airport to travel through, and is serviced by the following airlines: USAir, Delta, United, Northwest. However, because Asheville is not a major hub for any airline, it may be difficult to find a direct flight from your departure city.

If you fly USAir or Delta, you will likely connect in Charlotte, NC (CLT)LINK or Atlanta, GA (ATL)LINK, respectively. By the time you layover in one of these cities, fly to Asheville, and then drive the final 70 miles, it might be quicker to just end your air travel in either Charlotte or Atlanta and drive the rest of the way (about 3 hours from either airport). Rental car variety and bargains may be greater in these major cities as well.

A secondary city to consider is Knoxville, TN (TYS)LINK, but don't be fooled by the apparent close proximity. Knoxville is through the Smokies and the drive is slow, difficult and unpredictable depending on time of day and season.

I have a big one my Pop-In-Law gave me this past Christmas.Too big to bring, but I take my binoculars everywhere.

You are right about the clear air around here. Driving back to Charlotte, you can see the haze over the city from a distance, but more than that it is the amount of light it generates at night. When you get away from that, stars come popping out.

Another reminder for new guys, you will need a flashlight as it gets REALLY dark here in the mountains if the moon is not out.